HPHS Class of 1963 50th Reunion Welcome Address

Rick Schwab

July 27, 2013

Welcome 1963 HPHS classmates.

It's been 50 years and that itself is amazing and even more amazing that all of us here have stood the test of time. This is really a celebration of life.

Ten years ago I had the honor and pleasure to address those of you who were there for our 40th reunion. At that time if we can remember back--this morning is hard enough--I said we would have large nametags since our eyes were beginning to fail. Well for our 60th I will propose to have a bull horn or megaphone since our hearing probably will be failing at that time. My 40th welcome speech anonymously acknowledged the amazing achievements of many of our classmates and recognized how our fellow classmates filled every imaginable sector in our society. I will repeat myself and say that the class of '63 was and is the best class ever to graduate from HPHS.

The 10th reunion through the 50th would never have happened if it wasn't for the willingness, time and effort your committee members put in to make this event happen. We hope you enjoyed the cocktail hour last night at McBirdies, the HPHS and grammar school tours this morning, the brunches hosted by your grammar school classmates, this amazing event tonight and tomorrow's brunch.

At this time I would like all the reunion committee members to please stand up and be acknowledged. Please take a long and hard look at them now because I am going to turn back the clock 50 years--5 decades--and let you see how many of these people have not changed their looks and their moves. Play video (download will take several seconds).

On this the 50th reunion two classmates have really truly stepped up - over and above the call of duty. We would like to acknowledge them and present them with a special award. It is not the mirror ball. Let's give it up for Larry Marks and Lee Cioni. (Presentation to Larry and Lee: football shirts and mouse )

Our class amongst others during our graduation era experienced in my mind some of the most momentous political, social, cultural, historical, scientific, medical and humanistic events and breakthroughs than any other generation in America. Again let me take you on a short journey of the past 5 decades. Please take note that I have purposefully left out one war in particular for personal reasons. Play video.

As I pointed out earlier this is truly a celebration of life and I hope that we all can continue to enjoy and appreciate all the good that life has to offer. Unfortunately, for some of our classmates this celebration tonight did not become a reality. I would like to take a few minutes to pay tribute to those 44 classmates that we know of who have departed but are vividly remembered by us tonight.

They are all still and will always be members of the class of '63! Play video (Download will take several seconds. If your screen appears jumbled and no music plays, press the F5 key.)

We have planned a lot of fun activities and valued time for renewed friendships and conversations for you for the remainder of the night. So at this point in the program I would like to again thank all of you for taking your time and money to share in this great celebration.

So before saying bon appetit I think at this time it would only be fitting that we all stand up and join in on one song that we sang many times from 1959 to 1963 and again now (if we still remember the words). Therefore let me introduce the HPHS Little Giants 1963 marching band. (HPHS marching band plays HPHS Fight Song and 2 songs from the 60's.)

RSVP required for each event. Cost - $150 per person – includes all events.
Spouses and partners are invited. Please RSVP online whether you plan to attend or not (to facilitate planning). You must mail your check to Ruth Sang, 752 Judson Avenue, Highland Park, IL 60035 by June 15, 2013. Online payment is not available. If you are not able to RSVP online, include attendee names and events selected with your check. Financial Assistance is available

Hotel accommodations: Make reservations by July 1. Blocks of rooms have been reserved at: